Legal expert counts the ways idle time can land kids in hot water

With the summer school break looming, now is the time for parents to consider how they can keep their tween through teen-age child in line and out of hot water amid the glut of seasonal "down time."

With the summer school break looming, now is the time for parents to consider how they can keep their tween through teen-age child in line and out of hot water amid the glut of seasonal "down time."

"Parents would be wise to have frank dialogue about some common, all too often unforeseen legal pitfalls many kids experience during the summer months," notes attorney Jeff Isaac. "This advance awareness of legal and parental consequences can better assure children use good judgment as they commiserate with their friends and otherwise enjoy their summer break."

While specific laws and policies vary from state to state, Isaac offers these key legal considerations during the summer months:

Curfew: Most parents have no idea of the laws relating to curfew in their region, which vary from city to city. Generally, 10 p.m. is the most common curfew time, however there are exceptions of when a minor can be out by themselves at night. Breaking curfew can result in legal consequences such as the child being temporarily detained by police or community service for repeat offenders.

Graffiti and vandalism: Some may see it as a form of self expression, but those who mark up community walls and building with graffiti are breaking the law. Kids who are repeat offenders here may find them self financially liable, and may face criminal penalties. Parents are also often found financially liable when their kids damage, destroy or deface the property of others, sometimes to the tune of thousands of dollars in reparations.

Underage drinking: In a recent survey, nearly one in two 9th graders reported they had consumed at least one alcoholic beverage at some point. Forty percent of the 11th graders surveyed admitted drinking enough alcohol to become drunk. There are a litany of legal offenses associated with minors and alcohol or drugs, which range from misdemeanors, felonies and juvenile hall.

Tobacco use: It's been reported that one in five high school seniors smokes at least once a month. In most if not all states, it's juvenile court, or as a misdemeanor. Most retail outlets also check th identification of anyone seemingly under the age of 18 attempting to purchase tobacco products, so misdemeanor charges could apply if a minor uses a false ID to make such a transaction.

Web Surfing: Sure, your children chat with friends and play games in cyberspace, but they also have access to a world of information only appropriate for mature audiences. Pornography is rampant on the Internet, and your child can access that material with just a few easy clicks of a mouse. Even if unsolicited, a recent survey found that one in three children ages 10 to 17 had been exposed to unwanted sexual material online. Parental control software is paramount if you are unable to supervise your child while he or she Web surfs.